Bicycle rim

ABSTRACT

A bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion, a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings. The reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/765,997 filed on Jan. 29, 2004, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/430,396 filed on May 7, 2003. The entire disclosure of U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 10/430,396 and 10/765,997 are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle wheel. More specifically,the present invention relates to a bicycle wheel having a reinforcedrim.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle as well as the frame of the bicycle. One component that has beenextensively redesigned is the bicycle wheel. Bicycle wheels areconstantly being redesigned to be strong, lightweight and moreaerodynamic in design as well as to be simple to manufacture andassemble.

There are many different types of bicycle wheels, which are currentlyavailable on the market. Most bicycle wheels have a hub portion, aplurality of spokes and an annular rim. The hub portion is attached to apart of the frame of the bicycle for relative rotation. The inner endsof the spokes are coupled to the hub and extend outwardly from the hub.The annular rim is coupled to the outer ends of the spokes and has anouter portion for supporting a pneumatic tire thereon. Typically, thespokes of the bicycle wheel are thin metal wire spokes. The ends of thehub are usually provided with flanges that are used to couple the spokesto the hub. In particular, holes are provided in the hub flanges. Thewire spokes are usually bent on their inner end and provided with aflange that is formed in the shape of a nail head. The inner end issupported in one of the holes in one of the hub flanges. The outer endsof the spokes typically are provided with threads for engaging spokenipples, which secure the outer ends of the wire spokes to holes in therim.

The above types of wheels have been designed for use with tube tires ortubeless tires. Typically, tubeless tire wheels have an annular sealarranged to seal the spoke attachment openings of the rim. Rims designedfor tube tires also often have an annular member covering the spokeattachments. In any case, these typical types of wheels can be expensiveand complicated to manufacture and assemble. Moreover, these typicalwheels are not always as strong and lightweight, as desired.Furthermore, with these typical wheels it can be difficult, complicatedand/or expensive to replace a spoke or spokes.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved bicyclerim for a bicycle wheel. This invention addresses this need in the artas well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle wheel with arim that is relatively strong yet relatively lightweight.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rim that isrelatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing a bicyclerim that includes an annular tire attachment portion, an annular spokeattachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The annulartire attachment portion is adapted to have a tires mounted thereon. Theannular spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tireattachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced attachment openings with each opening having acentral axis extending therethrough. The reinforcement members arefixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachmentopenings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachmentportion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcementmembers is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. Each reinforcementmember has a base section including a rim facing surface, an exteriorfacing surface and a through opening. The rim facing surfaces contact anouter surface of the spoke attachment portion of the rim. The exteriorfacing surfaces face in an opposite direction from the rim facingsurfaces. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which farm a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle wheel with a reinforcedrim in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the reinforced rim of the wheelillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of thereinforced rim identified by circle 3 in FIG. 2 (i.e., across-sectionalview as seen along the center plane of the wheel);

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the reinforcedrim illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, as viewed along section line 4-4 of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of thereinforced rim identified by circle 5 in FIG. 2 (i.e., across-sectionalview as seen along the center plane of the wheel);

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the reinforcedrim illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, as viewed along section line 6-6 of FIG.2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of thereinforced rim identified by circle 3 in FIG. 2 (i.e., across-sectionalview as seen along the center plane of the wheel), with thecross-hatching removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle wheelillustrated in FIG. 1, as seen along section line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle wheelillustrated in FIG. 1, as seen along section line 8-8 of FIG. 1, withthe tire, spokes and reinforcement members removed for the purpose ofillustration;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the bicyclewheel illustrated in FIGS. I and 8, as seen along section line 10-10 ofFIG. 1, with the tire removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged inside elevational view (i.e. inner radial view)of a pre-formed reinforcement member prior to deforming thereinforcement member into the final desired shape to be mounted to theinner annular portion of the reinforced rim;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged inside elevational view (i.e. inner radial view)of one of the reinforcement members of the bicycle rim illustrated inFIGS. 1-8, after deforming the pre-formed reinforcement memberillustrated in FIG. 11 into the final desired shape, with the pre-formedshape shown in phantom broken lines;

FIG. 13 is an outside elevational view (i.e. outer radial view) of thereinforcement member illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side (axial) elevational view of the reinforcement memberillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is an opposite side (axial) elevational view of thereinforcement member illustrated in FIGS. 12-14;

FIG. 16 is an end (circumferential) elevational view of thereinforcement member illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, as viewed along arrow16 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement memberillustrated in FIGS. 12-16, as see along section line 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub of the bicycle wheelillustrated in FIG. 1 with portions shown in cross-section for thepurpose of illustration;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, top plan view of the hub body of the hubillustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of thehub body illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 with a spoke nipple arranged ina spoke hole;

FIG. 21 is a right side elevational view of the portion of the hub bodyand spoke nipple illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a bicycle wheel with a reinforcedrim in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of therim identified by circle 23 in FIG. 22 (i.e., a cross-sectional view asseen along the center plane of the wheel);

FIG. 24 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the wheelillustrated in FIG. 22, as viewed along section line 24-24 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of therim identified by circle 25 in FIG. 22 (i.e., a cross-sectional view asseen along the center plane of the wheel);

FIG. 26 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the wheelillustrated in FIG. 22, as viewed along section line 26-26 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged, axial cross-sectional view of the area of thewheel identified by circle 27 in FIG. 22 (i.e., a cross-sectional viewas seen along the center plane of the wheel); and

FIG. 28 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the rimillustrated in FIG. 22, as viewed along section line 28-28 of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained withreference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart from this disclosure that the following descriptions of theembodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle wheel 10 is illustratedin accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The bicycle wheel 10 utilizes a reinforced rim 12 that has aplurality of reinforcement members 14 fixedly coupled thereto inaccordance with the present invention. When the reinforcement members 14are fixedly coupled to the rim 12, the reinforcement members 14 formpart of the rim 12. Thus, the bicycle wheel 10 basically includes therim 12 with the reinforcement members 14, a plurality of spokes 16, apneumatic tire 18 and a center hub 20. The tire 18 can include a tube(not shown) and a separate tire, or can be a tubeless type tire, asdiscussed below in more detail.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spokes 16 are radial spokes thatconnect the hub 20 to the rim 12. Also, in the illustrated embodiment,the hub 20 is a front hub (i.e. the hub 20 does not include one or moresprockets) that utilizes sixteen radial spokes 16 coupled to the rim 12at equally spaced circumferential locations as seen in FIG. 1. Ofcourse, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that bicycle wheel 10 could use a modified rim and/or hub inorder to accommodate different spoking arrangements (e.g. all tangentialspokes, some tangential spokes and some radial spokes, etc.) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. It will also beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that bicyclewheel 10 could use a modified rim and/or hub in order to accommodate oneor more sprockets, as needed and/or desired. Moreover, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thebicycle wheel 10 could use a modified rim and/or hub in order toaccommodate fewer or more spokes 16 if needed and/or desired. In anycase, the spokes 16 are preferably coupled to the annular rim 12 incircumferentially spaced arrangement via the reinforcement members 14.

The rim 12 is an annular member designed for rotation about a centeraxis X. The rim 12 is constructed of a substantially rigid material,such as those materials, which are well known in the art. For example,the rim 12 can be constructed of any suitable metallic material, such asplated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium or titanium, as wellas other non-metallic materials, such as a carbon fiber composite.Preferably, the rim 12 is constructed of aluminum. The construction ofthe rim 12 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the rim 12 is substantially circular as seen inside elevation (FIGS. 1 and 2), and basically includes an outer annularportion 24, an inner annular portion 26 with a plurality of attachmentopenings 28, and the plurality of the reinforcement members 14 fixedlycoupled to the inner annular portion 26 at the attachment openings 28 toreinforce the rim 12. The outer annular portion 24 is a tire attachmentportion, while the inner annular portion 26 is a spoke attachmentportion. Basically, the rim 12 has a uniform cross-sectional profile asseen in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8-10, except for the absence of material atvarious openings formed in the rim 12 as described herein.

The inner annular portion 26 is fixedly coupled with the outer annularportion 24 to form an annular hollow area A, as best seen in FIGS. 8-10.The inner annular portion 26 preferably has a U-shaped cross-sectionwith the ends of the U-shaped inner annular portion 26 coupled toopposite axial sides of the outer annular portion 24 to form the annularhollow area A. The outer annular portion 24 also preferably has asubstantially U-shaped cross-section with the free ends of thesubstantially U-shaped outer annular portion designed to retain the tire18.

The outer annular portion 24 and the inner annular portion 26 arepreferably integrally formed together as a one-piece unitary aluminummember to form a constant cross-sectional shape about the entirecircumference of the outer and inner annular portions 24 and 26 of therim 12 in a relatively conventional manner. For example, the outer andinner annular portions 24 and 26 can be constructed by extruding alength of aluminum with the cross-sectional shape illustrated in FIGS.8-10, then bending the length of aluminum into a circular shape, andthen fixing (i.e., welding) the ends of the length of aluminum together.The attachment openings 28 can be punched or drilled in a conventionalmanner before or after welding the free ends of the length of aluminumtogether.

The reinforcement members 14 are preferably formed as separate aluminummembers from the outer and inner annular portions 24 and 26 by casting,machining and/or any other suitable manufacturing technique to result inthe initial shape illustrated in FIG. 10, and then by bending (i.e.,deforming) them to the desired final shape illustrated in the remainingFigures. Alternatively, the reinforcement members 14 could be initiallyformed into the final shape by casting, machining and/or any othersuitable manufacturing technique.

In either case, the reinforcement members 14 are then fixedly coupled tothe inner annular portion 26 of the rim 12. Preferably, thereinforcement members 14 are bonded to the inner annular portion 26 bybrazing or soldering in order to reinforce the rim 12, as discussedbelow in more detail. The outer and inner annular portions 24 and 26each have a symmetrical cross-sectional shape relative to a center planeP that is perpendicular to the center axis X of the wheel 10. However,the rim 12 is not completely (i.e. not exactly or perfectly) symmetricalrelative to the center plane P due to the arrangements of thereinforcement members 14, as discussed below in more detail. Thus, therim 12 preferably has a substantially symmetrical shape relative to thecenter plane P of the wheel 10 when the reinforcement members 14 arecoupled thereto. In other words, prior to fixedly coupling thereinforcement members 14 to the inner annular portion 26, the rim 12 issymmetrical.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-10, the outer annular portion 24 basicallyincludes a pair of annular side sections or tire support sections 30 andan annular outer bridge or connecting section 32. The annular connectingsection 32 extends between the annular side sections 30 to form asubstantially U-shaped tire receiving recess as seen in cross-section asbest seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8-10. The annular side sections 30 areannular plate shaped members that are preferably between about 1.1 andabout 1.4 millimeters thick that form a pair of annular tire supportingsurfaces and a pair of annular braking surfaces in a conventionalmanner.

The tire supporting surfaces of the annular side sections 30 are annularopposed planar annular surfaces that face each other toward the centerplane P. The tire supporting surfaces have annular ribs R formed attheir free ends to retain beads of the tire 18 in a conventional manner.The annular ribs R project axially toward each other. The annularbraking surfaces of the annular side sections 30 are annular opposedplanar annular surfaces that face outwardly away from the center plane Pto engage conventional rim brakes. The radially inner ends of theannular side sections 30 are fixedly coupled to the inner annularportion 26.

The annular connecting section 32 is a tubular member that has asubstantially constant thickness of about 0.9 millimeters. The annularconnecting section 32 preferably has a varying, contoured shape, as bestshown in FIGS. 8-10 to assist in mounting a tubeless tire thereto. Theannular connecting section 32 preferably includes a single valveaperture 34 formed therein for coupling a valve 36 therein in aconventional manner, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 10. The annular connectingsection 32 is fixedly coupled to the annular side sections 30 at radialpositions between the inner and outer ends of the annular side sections30. Preferably, the connecting section 32 is free of openings, exceptfor the single valve aperture 34 such that the tire 18 can be a tubelesstire.

Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the tire 18 could be a tube-type tire (not shown), andthat the valve aperture 34 could receive the valve of a tube (not shown)in a conventional manner. Thus, the valve aperture 34 and/or the valve36 can be designed for a tubeless tire in a conventional manner, and/orfor a tube-type tire in a conventional manner. In any case, because thevalve 36 is conventional, the valve 36 will not be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-10, the inner annular portion 26 is a curvedtubular member that has a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional shape.The inner annular portion 26 preferably has a constant thickness ofabout 0.8 millimeters. The inner annular portion 26 basically includes apair of annular slanted sections 40 and an inner annular section 42fixedly coupled to the slanted sections 40. The annular slanted sections40 and the inner annular section 42 of the inner annular portion 26, andthe annular side sections 30 and annular connecting section 32 of theouter annular portion 24 are preferably integrally formed together as aone-piece, unitary member that is separate from the reinforcementmembers 14.

The plurality of attachment openings 28 are formed in the inner annularsection 42 and are designed to have the spokes 16 mounted therein viathe reinforcement members 14. Outer radial ends of the slanted sections40 are fixedly coupled to inner radial ends of the annular side sections30 of the outer annular portion 24. Inner radial ends of the slantedsections 40 are fixedly coupled to outer radial ends of the innerannular section 42. The attachment openings 28 of the inner annularsection 42 are preferably identical, circular-shaped openings with theircentral axes C extending in the radial direction along the center planeP. The inner annular section 42 preferably has sixteen (16) of theattachment openings 28 arranged in a circumferentially equally spacedmanner from each other about the entire circumference of the rim 12.

The inner annular section 42 preferably includes a single valve opening44 formed therein for coupling the valve 36 thereto in a conventionalmanner, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 10. The valve 36 is preferably designedsuch that the tire 18 can be a tubeless tire, as mentioned above.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the tire 18 could be a tube-type tire (not shown), andthat the valve opening 44 could receive the valve of a tube (not shown)in a conventional manner. Thus, the valve opening 44 and/or the valve 36can be designed for a tubeless tire in a conventional manner, and/or fora tube-type tire in a conventional manner.

The inner annular section 42 together with the annular slanted sections40 define annular curved interior and exterior surfaces 46 and 48 of theinner annular portion 26. The reinforcement members 14 are preferablyfixedly coupled to the exterior surface 48 by brazing or soldering suchthat the reinforcement members 14 are bonded to the exterior surface 48of the inner annular portion 26. The attachment openings 28 extendbetween the interior and exterior surfaces 46 and 48 of the innerannular portion 26. Brazing is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 8 by“X”. The attachment openings 28 are preferably identical to each other.Moreover, the attachment openings 28 are arranged and configured (i.e.,sufficiently wide) so that the reinforcement members 14 can be arrangedtherein in an alternating angled arrangement such that the spokes 16extend to opposite ends of the hub 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-17, the reinforcement members 14 will now bediscussed in more detail. As mentioned above, the reinforcement members14 are preferably identical members that are bonded to the exteriorsurface 48 of the inner annular portion 26 in order to permanentlysecure the reinforcement members 14 thereto. Each reinforcement member14 is preferably constructed as a one-piece unitary member from alightweight, rigid metallic material. Specifically, each reinforcementmember 14 is preferably constructed of aluminum, as mentioned above. Inany case, the reinforcement members 14 are preferably constructed of thesame material as the outer and inner annular portions 24 and 26, and arepermanently bonded (e.g., by brazing or soldering) to the inner annularportion 26 to reinforce the rim 12. The reinforcement members 14effectively increase the thickness of the inner annular portion 26 atthe attachment openings 28 to provide rigid reinforcement to the rim 12.

In other words, the reinforcement members 14 are bonded to the innerannular portion 26, preferably utilizing a brazing or soldering metal(not shown) as the bonding agent. When the reinforcement members 14 arebrazed or soldered to the inner annular portion 26, a brazing orsoldering metal, such as those well known in the bicycle art, is usedthat is different than the material of the reinforcement members 14 andthe inner annular portion 26. Preferably, the brazing or solderingmaterial is a metallic material with a lower melting point than thematerial of the reinforcement members 14 and the inner annular portion26. For example, a brazing/soldering metal with a melting point of about300° Celsius is preferable for attaching the reinforcement members 14.This temperature is a lower temperature than that typically required forwelding, when two rigid metals are fused together.

While brazing or soldering with a metal brazing/soldering bondingmaterial is a preferable attachment method for the rim 12 of the presentinvention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that other bonding techniques can be utilized as neededand/or desired. For example, the reinforcement members 14 could bebonded to the inner annular portion 26 with adhesive or a cementingagent (e.g., other than metal), instead of a brazing/soldering metal.

In this embodiment, each of the reinforcement members 14 has asubstantially inverted mushroom shape as best shown in FIGS. 12-17. Allof the reinforcement members 14 are preferably identical to each other.Thus, only one of the reinforcement members 14 will be discussed and/orillustrated in detail herein. However, the reinforcement members 14 arepreferably mounted in an alternating orientation in alternatingattachment openings 28 such that the spokes 16 extend to the appropriateends of the hub 20, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. As mentionedabove, the reinforcement members 14 a pre-formed into the shapeillustrated in FIG. 11 with a flat base and a tubular sectionperpendicular to the flat base. The pre-formed shape is then deformedinto the desired final shape with a curved base section and an angledtubular section, as explained herein.

Specifically, each reinforcement member 14 basically includes a basesection 50, a tubular section 52 extending from the base section 50 anda through opening 54 extending through both the base section 50 and thetubular section 52, as best seen in FIGS. 12-17. One end of one of thespokes 16 is coupled within the through opening 54 to couple the rim 12to the hub 20. Specifically, the through opening 54 is preferably aninternally threaded opening in order to threadedly couple one of thespokes 16 thereto. Thus, one of the spokes 16 can be adjustably,releasably coupled to the rim 12 via each reinforcement member 14.

The base section 50 is an elongated plate that preferably has a rimfacing surface 56 a and an exterior facing surface 56 b. The basesection 50 is curved as viewed in radial cross-section, as best seen inFIGS. 16 and 17. The base section 50 preferably has a symmetrical shapeas viewed in the radial direction relative to a center longitudinalplane L and relative to a center transverse plane W, as best seen inFIGS. 12-17. The base section 50 is substantially oval-shaped. The rimfacing surface 56 a is a contoured surface that corresponds to thecontour of the exterior surface 48 of the inner annular portion 26. Theexterior facing surface 56 b has a contour substantially the same as therim facing surface 56 a, except that the exterior facing surface 56 btapers toward the rim facing surface 56 a at the outer periphery of thebase section 50.

Specifically, the base section 50 preferably includes a tapered surface56 c extending around the outer periphery of the base section 50 to anouter peripheral edge surface 56 d (i.e. a radial part that extendssubstantially radially). The base section 50 preferably has a maximumthickness of about 1.0 millimeters that tapers to a minimum thickness ofabout 0.3 millimeters to form the annular outer peripheral edge surface56 d, as best seen in FIGS. 8, 14 and 16. Thus, the tapered surface 56 c(i.e., a tapered part) tapers about 0.7 millimeters as it approaches theedge surface 56 d. In any case, the peripheral edge surface 56 d isdefined by the rim facing surface 56 a and the tapered surface 56 c ofthe base section 50, and is about 0.3 millimeters thick (i.e., about 30%of the maximum thickness of the base section 50). Furthermore, the outerperipheral edge surface 56 d defines a step between the base section 50and the outer surface 48 of the inner annular portion 26 when thereinforcement members 14 are fixed to the inner annular portion 26.Thus, the thickness of the base section 50 is substantially uniform,except at the outer periphery of the base section 50.

During attachment of each reinforcement member 14 to the inner annularportion 26, the brazing/soldering metal (not shown) is melted to bondthe rim facing surface 56 a of the reinforcement member 14 to theexterior surface 48 of the inner annular portion 26. Thus, after meltingthe brazing/soldering metal, a very thin bonding layer (not shown)fixedly couples the reinforcement member 14 together with the innerannular portion 26.

The tubular section 52 of each reinforcement member 14 extends from thebase section 50 into one of the attachment openings 28. The tubularsection 52 of each reinforcement member 14 is preferably angled about 6°relative to the center plane P and the longitudinal plane L in analternating manner when mounted in one of the attachment openings 28 sothat the spokes 16 extend to the appropriate ends of the hub 20. Thus,the tubular section 52 of each reinforcement member 14 preferably has aslightly smaller diameter T₁ (i.e., preferably about 4.3 millimeters)than the attachment openings 28 in order to accommodate the alternatingangled arrangement of the spokes 16, and thus, the tubular sections 52of the reinforcement members 14. The attachment openings 28 preferablyhave a diameter T₂ of at least about 5.0 millimeters in order toaccommodate the alternating angled tubular sections 52 of thereinforcement members 14. The tubular section 52 of each reinforcementmember 14 is preferably angled about 0° relative to a radial line Y asbest seen in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7. The rim 12 has a plurality of radiallines Y extending outwardly from the rotation axis X through the centersof the reinforcement members 14.

However, opposite axial ends of the base section 50 are preferablyarranged at the same radial position when the tubular section 52 isreceived in one of the attachment openings 28. Thus, each reinforcementmember 14 is not perfectly or exactly symmetrical relative to the centerplane P, which coincides with the center longitudinal plane L of thereinforcement member 14, as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 12-17. In otherwords, even though the base section 50 of each reinforcement member 14is symmetrically shaped relative to the planes L and P, thereinforcement members 14 are not perfectly symmetrical relative to theseplanes due to the angled arrangement of the tubular sections 52.

Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that reinforcement members could be constructed that arecompletely symmetrical relative to the longitudinal plane L, if theattachment openings 28, the exterior surface 48 and the rim facingsurface 56 a are configured to such that the entire reinforcementmembers could be angled slightly relative to the center plane (i.e.offset slightly to opposite sides of the center plane in an alternatingmanner) of the rim within such attachment openings such that the spokes16 extend to opposite ends of the hub 20. In such an arrangement, theattachment openings of the rim would be slightly larger.

As best seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 8, 12 and 13, each of the reinforcementmembers 14 has a first overlapping dimension D₁ and a second overlappingdimension D₂ corresponding to the minimum and maximum amounts of overlapof the reinforcement members 14 with the inner annular portion 26. Thefirst and second overlapping dimensions D₁ and D₂ are measured in adirection transverse to a center axis C of each of the attachmentopenings 28. More specifically, the first and second overlappingdimensions D₁ and D₂ are preferably measured substantially in the axialand circumferential directions, respectively, relative to the rim 12.Thus, the actual overlapping dimension of the reinforcement member 14with the inner annular portion 26 varies between the first and secondoverlapping dimensions D₁ and D₂. The center axis C is angled relativeto the center of the tubular section 52, as best seen in FIGS. 16 and17. This overlapping arrangement of the reinforcement members 14 withthe inner annular portion 26 aids in dispersing the stresses on the rim12 from the spokes 16.

Each of the attachment openings 28 has maximum transverse dimension T₂.The first overlapping dimension D₁ is preferably larger than one-half ofthe maximum transverse dimension T, while the second overlappingdimension D₂ is preferably larger than the maximum transverse dimensionor diameter T₂. In any case, the second (maximum) overlapping dimensionD₂ is at least larger than one-half of the maximum transverse dimensionT₂.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 18-21, the spokes 16 and the hub 20will now be discussed in more detail. The spokes 16 are preferablyidentical to each other. Each of the spokes 16 basically includes anouter end portion 60, a center or a middle portion 62, an inner endportion 64 and a spoke nipple 66. The outer end portion 60, the centerportion 62, and the inner end portion 64 of each spoke 16 are preferablyintegrally formed together as a one niece, unitary member. The spokenipples 66 are preferably formed as separate members.

Each of the outer end portions 60 of the spokes 16 has external threadsto engage one of the threaded through bores 54 of one of thereinforcement members 14, while each of the inner end portions 64 of thespokes 16 preferably has external threads with one of the spoke nipples66 threadedly coupled thereto. The outer end of each spoke also has asquare section used to rotate the spokes 16. The spokes 16 are placedunder tension between the hub 20 and the annular rim 12 by rotating thespoke nipples 66 and/or the spokes 16 in a relatively conventionalmanner. The spokes 16 are preferably conventional wire-type spokes.Thus, the spokes 16 will not be discussed and/or illustrated in detailherein except as related to the rim 12 of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21 he connections of the spokes 16 to the hub 20will now be discussed in more detail. The connections of the spokes 16to the hub 20 are basically identical to the connections disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,431,658, except as explained below. In particular, thehub 20 is a slightly modified version of the front hub disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,431,658, which is designed to be used with the rim 12 havingcircumferentially equally spaced spoke attachment points. Of course, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that the rim 12 of thepresent invention could be coupled to a modified hub that includes rearsprockets, i.e. that is similar to the rear hub disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,431,658, but modified to accommodate the circumferentially equallyspaced spoking arrangement disclosed herein. Moreover, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the rim12 with reinforcement members 14 could be modified in order toaccommodate such a spoking arrangement or other spoking arrangements asneeded and/or desired.

Referring still to FIGS. 18-21, the connections of the spokes 16 and therim 12 to the hub 20 will now be discussed in more detail. The hub 20basically includes a tubular hub body portion 84, first and secondbearing assemblies 85 a and 85 b, and a hub axle 86 rotatably supportedin the tubular body portion 84 by the bearing assemblies 85 a and 85 b.The parts of the hub 20 are relatively conventional. Thus, the parts ofthe hub 20 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

The tubular body portion 84 has a tubular center portion 87 and a pairof tubular mounting portions 88 a and 88 b at opposite ends of thecenter portion 87 for mounting the spokes 16 thereto. Each tubularmounting portion 88 a and 88 b has a plurality of spoke openings 89 aand 89 b for coupling the spokes 16 therein, respectively. Preferably,each mounting portion 88 a and 88 b has eight spoke openings 89 a and 89b formed therein, respectively.

Preferably, the second mounting portion 88 b is an offset mirror imageof first mounting portion 88 a. Thus, the spoke openings 89 b arepreferably circumferentially offset from the spoke openings 89 a so thatthe outer end portions 64 of the spokes 16 are circumferentially equallyspaced from each other at the rim 12. The tubular mounting portions 88 aand 88 b support the spokes 16 in the spoke openings 89 a and 89 b withthe spoke nipples 66.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 22-28, a bicycle wheel 210 in accordance with asecond preferred embodiment of the present invention will now beexplained. The bicycle wheel 210 is identical to the bicycle wheel 10 ofthe first embodiment, except that the bicycle wheel 210 is a rearbicycle wheel designed to accommodate sprockets (not shown) and thewheel 210 utilizes twenty (20) spokes 16. Specifically, the wheel 210uses a modified rim 212 having modified reinforcement members 214 a, 214b and 214 c bonded thereto, twenty (20) of the spokes 16 arranged in amodified spoking arrangement, and a modified hub 220.

This second embodiment is substantially identical to the firstembodiment. Thus, this second embodiment will not be explained and/orillustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this disclosure that the descriptions andillustrations of the first embodiment also apply to this secondembodiment, except as explained and illustrated herein. Moreover, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatlike reference numerals will be used to describe parts of this secondembodiment that are identical or substantially identical to like partsof the first embodiment. Descriptions of these like parts will beomitted for the sake of brevity.

The rim 212 basically includes an outer annular portion 224 and an innerannular portion 226 with the reinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214b coupled thereto at a plurality of attachment openings 228 formedtherein. The outer annular portion 224 is identical to the outer annularportion 24 of the first embodiment. The inner annular portion 226 isidentical to the inner annular portion 26 of the first embodiment,except the inner annular portion 226 includes twenty (20)circumferentially equally spaced attachment openings 228 and a total oftwenty of the modified reinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214 b.Each attachment opening 228 has a size and shape identical to theattachment openings 28 of the first embodiment. Thus, the attachmentopenings 228 are identical to the attachment openings 28 of the firstembodiment, except the attachment openings 228 are closer together inthe circumferential direction to accommodate the increased number ofspokes 16.

The reinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214 c are all identical tothe reinforcement members 14 of the first embodiment, except thereinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214 c are configured toaccommodate both radial and tangential spokes 16, which extend from themodified hub 220. In particular, reinforcement members 214a are designedto receive radial spokes 16, the reinforcement members 214 b aredesigned to receive first tangential spokes 16 and the reinforcementmembers 214 c are designed to receive second tangential spokes 16. Morespecifically, reinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214 c have angledtubular sections 252 a, 252 b and 252 c, respectively, to accommodatethe spoking arrangement of the hub 220 (i.e., ten radial spokes 16 andten tangential spokes 16 in an alternating manner). The hub 220 will beexplained in more detail below.

More specifically, the rim 212 includes ten (10) of the reinforcementmembers 214 a, five (5) of the reinforcement members 214 b and five (5)of the reinforcement members 214 c. The reinforcement members 214 b and214 c are arranged in an alternating, interlaced manner between thereinforcement members 214 a (i.e., 214 a, 214 b, 214 a, 214 c, 214 a,214 b and so on) about the circumference of the rim 212. Thereinforcement members 214 a are designed to receive radial spokes 16 ina manner similar to the first embodiment, while the reinforcementmembers 214 b and 214 c are designed to receive first and secondtangential spokes 16, respectively, in a relatively conventionalorientation as explained below with reference to the hub 220.

The reinforcement members 214 a are identical to each other. Inparticular, the tubular section 252 a of each reinforcement member 214 ais preferably angled 0° relative to a radial line Y (FIG. 23) and angledabout 4° relative to the center plane P (FIG. 24). The rim 212 has aplurality of radial lines Y extending outwardly from the rotation axis Xthrough the centers of the reinforcement members 214 a, 214 b and 214 cin a manner similar to the first embodiment. The reinforcement members214 b are also identical to each other. The reinforcement members 214 bare designed to receive first tangential spokes 16. In particular, thetubular section 252 b of each reinforcement member 214 b is preferablyangled 5° relative to the radial line Y (FIG. 25) and angled about 5°relative to the center plane P (FIG. 26). The reinforcement members 214c are also identical to each other. The reinforcement members 214 c aredesigned to receive second tangential spokes 16. In particular, thetubular section 252 c of each reinforcement member 214 c is preferablyangled 5° relative to the radial line Y (FIG. 27) and angled about 6°relative to the center plane P (FIG. 28). The tubular sections 252 b and252 c are angled in opposite directions relative to the radial lines Yas viewed in the axial direction as seen in FIGS. 25-27.

As mentioned above, the bicycle wheel 210 is designed as a rear bicyclewheel. Thus, the wheel 210 preferably includes a free wheel 222 coupledto one end of the center hub 220. The free wheel 222 is coupled to thecenter hub 220 in a conventional manner. Thus, the free wheel 222 willnot be discussed and/or illustrated in detail herein. The bicycle wheel210 preferably utilizes the spoking arrangement illustrated in FIG. 22in order to accommodate the free wheel 222. The center hub 220 with thefree wheel 222 of the wheel 210 of the present invention is relativelyconventional, except as explained and illustrated herein. Thus, thecenter hub 220 will not be discussed and/or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, the center hub 220 can basically be understood from U.S.Pat. No. 6,431,658, assigned to Shimano Inc.

Specifically, the center hub 220 of the present invention is similar tothe rear hub disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,658, except the center hub220 of the present invention utilizes more spokes (i.e., twenty spokes)that are circumferentially equally spaced apart at the rim 212, and thatthe radial spokes 16 of the present invention are mounted to the centerhub 220 adjacent the free wheel 222.

More specifically, the center hub 220 of the present invention issimilar to the hub utilized with Shimano's wheel model Nos. WH-M535 andWH-R535, except the center hub 220 of the present invention is designedto have twenty (20) spokes 16 coupled thereto that are equallycircumferentially spaced about the rim 212. Shimano's wheel model Nos.WH-M535 and WH-R535 are designed to have sixteen spokes coupled theretoin paired spoking arrangements at their rims. Thus, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the center hub 220of the wheel 210 of the present invention has a tubular spoke attachmentportion (adjacent the free wheel 222) with ten slots for coupling theten spokes 16 therein, and five spoke attachment projections (at theopposite end from the freewheel 222) with each designed to have one ofthe first tangential spokes 16 and one of the second tangential spokes16 coupled thereto via the spoke nipples 66. The spokes 16 can beidentical to each other. However, some of the spokes 16 can be longer ifneeded, in order to be optimally used with the center hub 220.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that such spoke attachment projections and the slots of thetubular spoke attachment portion of the center hub 220 should bearranged relative to each other such that the spokes 16 are coupled tothe rim 212 at circumferentially equally spaced locations. In any case,the precise construction of the hub 220 of the wheel 210 of the presentinvention is not critical so long as the spokes 16 can be coupledthereto via the spoke nipples 66 at the orientations (inclinations)disclosed herein.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward, rearward,above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well asany other similar directional terms refer to those directions of abicycle equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms,as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpretedrelative to a bicycle equipped with the present invention.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed. These termsshould be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of themodified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the wordit modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bicycle rim comprising: an annular tire attachment portion adaptedto have a tire mounted thereon; an annular spoke attachment portionfixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion, the spoke attachmentportion including an interior surface, a pair of annular side sectionsand an inner annular section to form a substantially U-shapedcross-sectional shape with an annular hollow area, the spoke attachmentportion further including a plurality of circumferentially spacedattachment openings with each of the attachment openings having acentral axis extending therethrough; and a plurality of reinforcementmembers having a base section and a tubular section formed as aone-piece unitary member, the base sections being fixedly bonded to thespoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectivelyincrease the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at theattachment openings without forming a through hole in areas of theannular spoke attachment portion that surround the attachment openings,the tubular sections extending through the attachment openings into theannular hollow area, each of the reinforcement members being free fromcontact with the interior surface of the annular spoke attachmentportion, each of the base sections including: a rim facing surfacecontacting an outer surface of the spoke attachment portion of the rim,an exterior facing surface facing in an opposite direction from the rimfacing surface with the exterior facing surface being free of acylindrical projection extending from the exterior facing surface in aninner radial direction, and a through opening that is aligned with oneof the attachment openings and a bore of one of the tubular sections. 2.The bicycle rim according to claim 1, wherein each of the reinforcementmembers is bonded by melting metal to form a bond between the outersurface of the spoke attachment portion of the rim and the base section.3. The bicycle rim according to claim 2, wherein the bond between theouter surface of the spoke attachment portion of the rim and each of thebase sections is formed by brazing.
 4. The bicycle rim according toclaim 3, wherein each of the reinforcement members includes a tubularsection extending from the base section through one of the attachmentopenings of the spoke attachment portion.
 5. The bicycle rim accordingto claim 4 wherein each of the tubular sections has internal threadsformed therein.
 6. The bicycle rim according to claim 5, wherein each ofthe reinforcement members has an annular peripheral edge defined by thebase section that defines a step between the base section and the outersurface of the spoke attachment portion.
 7. The bicycle rim according toclaim 6, wherein the annular peripheral edges of the reinforcementmembers includes a tapering part and a radial part.
 8. The bicycle rimaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the reinforcement members has anannular peripheral edge defined by the base section that defines a stepbetween the base section and the outer surface of the spoke attachmentportion.
 9. The bicycle rim according to claim 8, wherein the annularperipheral edges of the reinforcement members includes a tapering partand a radial part.
 10. The bicycle rim according to claim 9, whereineach of the reinforcement members includes a tubular section extendingfrom the base section through one of the attachment openings of thespoke attachment portion.
 11. The bicycle rim according to claim 10wherein each of the tubular sections has internal threads formedtherein.
 12. The bicycle rim according to claim 1, wherein the rimfacing surface of each of the reinforcement members has a U-shapedcontour in the axial direction of the rim to match an exterior contourof the outer surface of the spoke attachment portion.
 13. The bicyclerim according to claim 3, wherein each of the reinforcement members hasan annular peripheral edge defined by the base section that defines astep between the base section and the outer surface of the spokeattachment portion.
 14. The bicycle rim according to claim 1, whereinthe attachment openings are formed in an inner annular section such thatthe central axes of the attachment openings extend in generally a radialdirection of the rim.
 15. The bicycle rim according to claim 1, whereinthe tire attachment portion includes an annular bridge section extendingbetween a pair of annular tire support sections to form a substantiallyU-shaped cross-sectional shape, the spoke attachment portion beingfixedly coupled to the tire attachment portion to form an annular hollowarea therebetween.
 16. The bicycle rim according to claim 15, whereinthe annular bridge section is free of openings except for a single valveaperture formed therein.
 17. The bicycle rim according to claim 1,wherein each of the reinforcement members has a maximum overlappingdimension overlapping the annular spoke attachment portion as measuredfrom an outer peripheral edge to a respective one of the attachmentopenings with the maximum overlapping dimension being at least half aslarge as a maximum transverse dimension of the attachment openings. 18.A bicycle rim comprising: an annular tire attachment portion adapted tohave a tire mounted thereon; an annular spoke attachment portion fixedlycoupled with the tire attachment portion, the spoke attachment portionincluding an interior surface, a pair of annular side sections and aninner annular section to form a substantially U-shaped cross-sectionalshape with an annular hollow area, the spoke attachment portion furtherincluding a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings;and a plurality of reinforcement members formed as a one-piece unitarymember, each of the reinforcement members being fixedly bonded to thespoke attachment portion at the attachment openings by a heat fusedmethod to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachmentportion of the rim at the attachment openings, each of the reinforcementmembers being free from contact with the interior surface of the annularspoke attachment portion, each of the reinforcement members including: arim facing surface contacting an outer surface of the spoke attachmentportion of the rim, an exterior facing surface facing in an oppositedirection from the rim facing surface with the exterior facing, and athrough opening aligned with one of the attachment openings.